Crafting the self-portrait

Please note: this is an on-site event only

Since early Antiquity, artists have explored their identity – both personal and artistic – through the form of the self-portrait. From Ancient Egyptian sculpture, to the paintings and prints produced by the prolific German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, there is a long tradition of artists turning the lens on themselves as subject to create intimate and engaging work.

This weekend course will focus on the expressive self-portrait, beginning in charcoal and dry coloured media, and progressing to produce a portrait in oils on day two. Participants will look to the Royal Academy’s Collection for inspiration, studying a range of historical and contemporary portraits from Angelica Kauffman RA and Sir Joshua Reynolds RA, to Ken Howard RA and Chantal Joffe RA, led by celebrated painter Adebanji Alade.

Adebanji Alade is an award-winning artist, otherwise known as the ADDICTIVE SKETCHER. He is a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and The Chelsea Art Society, and was the BBC Artist in Residence for The One Show, BBC One. His works have been exhibited at the Mall Galleries, and he has taught numerous courses at The Art Academy and Heatherley’s School of Fine Art, Chelsea.

Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.